Nyx's Will

The sound of my worn-out converse hitting the wet pavement echoed loudly in the air. I sighed as I rolled my shoulders and pulled my heavy jacket in tighter. Fall in Maine was colder than a snowman’s *ssh*l* and winter was even worse. I could see my breath in the air as I struggled up the slight incline as I made my way to the beat-up Geo Metro that was parked on the street. I grumbled to myself as I threw open the door and climbed in. I sent a silent prayer to Selene that it would start. I put the key in the ignition and turned it. I groaned in frustration as it sputtered and then died. Of course. I tried again and again until it finally came to life with a terrible screech and a rattling of the engine.

“When I have enough money saved up, I’m getting rid of you.” I said to the steering wheel as I reached over to turn on the heat that was going to take forever to warm up.

I blew into my hands as I rubbed them together while I waited for the car to warm up enough for me to pull away from the curb. I froze when the sound of fighting reached my ears. I could feel my heart racing as I looked around the dark streets and alley ways, looking for whoever it was. I had just gotten used to not looking over my shoulder everywhere I went. The smell of blood hit my nose before the sound of running feet did. I looked around in a panic for whoever it was that was injured.

I was all alone and at least 6 blocks from the hospital. I turned around in my seat to rummage through the backseat to find the medical kit that I always kept with me, as precaution of being a student nurse. I knew that whoever it was, was going to need help. I was just about to turn around in my seat when the passenger door opened roughly, and the car shifted under the weight of the giant man that just climbed in.

“Hey! What-“ I started.

“Drive!” He shouted as he clutched his side.

“What?” I asked confused until I realized the smell of blood was coming from him.

“DRIVE!”

I spun around in my seat and quickly put the car in gear and sped away from the curb, driving wildly until I knew we weren’t being followed anymore. When the coast was clear, I made my way back towards the hospital. I knew he would need treatment. The sound of his angry grumbling, as he slid around in his seat, was almost irritating my already frazzled nerves.

“It’s okay. I’ll take you to a doctor.” I said in a hurry.

“No. I don’t want to go to the hospital. Just drop me off at the nearest corner.” He said in between pained hisses.

“Don’t be ridiculous. You’re hurt.” I said annoyed. \

“I said no.”

“At least let me patch you up.” I insisted as I turned around and headed in the direction of my small townhouse.

“Why?” he asked as he looked at me confused.

“Because you are injured, and it would be unethical of me to just let you leave.” I huffed out.

I pulled over to the curb in front of the run-down building as the car came to a screeching halt before the engine died with a sad rattle.

"Stupid piece of junk." I mumbled as I climbed out of the car.

I hurried over to the passenger side to help the giant out of the car. He looked at me like I was the gum under his shoe. I rolled my eyes as I tried to wrap my arm around his middle to help support him. He seemed amused at my attempt as he shrugged me off with a chuckle.

"I can take myself in." He said as he made his way up of my front steps.

I rolled my eyes before following him. I stomped up the stairs and fumbled with my keys as I tried to unlock the front door. I cursed under my breath as I jiggled the key in the lock.

"Stupid thing never works right. Goddess, why does everything have to be a piece of junk." I grumbled as I shoved my shoulder into the door and pushed it open.

The sound of his soft laughter did something to me and it was hard to put my finger on it. I threw my keys into the glass bowl as I stepped into the small entry way and shrugged my coat off. I motioned for the stranger to come in and then thought, how stupid am I to just let a stranger in.

"I- uh," He stammered as he looked nervously inside, "I think I should just go, it doesn't seem like they are chasing me anymore."

"Oh, just come in." I huffed as I grabbed his arm and pulled him inside, "I need to get you cleaned up before an infection sets in."

I slammed the door shut behind us as I flipped on the hall light and then led him down the hall to the kitchen. I pointed to the only chair at the table and gave him my best 'you better sit before I make you sit' look. Apparently, it wasn't stern enough as he laughed at me before plopping down in the chair.

"I'm fine, really." He said with a chuckle.

"We'll just see about that." I said as I climbed onto the counter to grab the first aid kit out of the cabinet, "Now, please take your shirt off so I can get a better look at you."

"Whatever you say, darling." He joked as he flexed his muscles and then started to pull his shirt over his head, revealing a very muscular torso.

At this point it felt like my eyes were stuck in the back of my head from the number of times I’ve rolled them. I scoffed before taking a step closer to look at him. I gasped and dropped the first aid kit, scattering its contents all over the kitchen floor. His injuries, they were gone.

I stood there with my mouth wide open, probably looking like a fish with a gapping mouth, opening and closing as I tried to process what I was seeing. Not even moments ago, he was gravely injured. I know it, I smelt blood. I didn't just imagine it did I?

"No, you're right." He chuckled, "You didn't imagine it."

What?! How did he know that? Oh, my goddess! Can he read my mind? How is that even possible? What is he? Maybe he is a Trickster or a-

"I'm neither." He said, seeming unamused by the thought of being grouped in with the magic users, "You think too much."

"What are you?" I stammered as I tried to create even more distance between us, "Why are you here?"

Could someone have sent him here? I thought I was being careful when I left, I thought-

"I'm not here for you if that's what you're wondering." He smirked, "I have no interest in a... whatever you happen to be."

I let out the breath that I didn't know I was holding